-You can enroll in Open Spaces at any time during the school year if you are not already with another 3rd Option group for that academic year. Families complete an online registration form, agree to the membership requirements, and submit payment. Once enrollment is complete, your family is officially covered under Open Spaces for South Carolina Third Option homeschooling and we can help you along your homeschooling journey! Your membership packet will be emailed to you!

-In South Carolina, there are 3 accountability options for homeschooling families to pick from. Option 1 allows the parents to home school their children under the direction/approval of their school district. With option 2, parents may homeschool their children with the support of the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS). In option 3, parents may choose a home school association which has no fewer than fifty members and meets the home school requirements. Most families choose Option 3 because of the flexibility it affords them.

Our goal is to come alongside families with the right level of support—whether you’re just getting started or are farther along in your homeschooling journey! Membership Options Open Spaces offers two tiers of membership designed to support your family at different stages of your homeschool journey. Tier 1: Foundational Membership (Grades K5–8) (Families with at least one student in grades 9–12 must enroll in Tier 2) Tier 1 provides the essentials you need to homeschool legally and confidently in South Carolina, with light support along the way. • Legal coverage as a South Carolina 3rd Option homeschooler • New Member packet emailed to you • Membership certificate  • Membership Pocket card • Guidance for basic homeschool questions during week days • Printable report card template This tier is a great fit for families who feel comfortable managing most aspects of their homeschool independently but want the security of accountability and occasional support. Tier 2: Full Support Membership (Grades K5–12) Tier 2 includes everything in Tier 1, plus additional support, resources, and guidance. • Legal coverage as a South Carolina 3rd Option homeschooler • Ongoing support for your homeschool questions • Monthly Zoom calls focused on key homeschooling topics • Monthly email newsletter • Access to our resource vault (report cards, planner pages, and more) • Discounts on homeschool coaching sessions • One free high school transcript • Additional transcripts: $10 each • Expedited processing: +$20 • PLUS more to come as we grow and learn what features our members would like to see included in Open Spaces! Tier 2 is ideal for families who want more guidance, community, and support along the way. A Note About High School Enrollment Families with high school students (grades 9–12) are required to enroll in Tier 2 due to the increased level of support and documentation needed during these years. PLEASE NOTE:  As we begin our first year as a 3rd Option group, we are choosing to start with a narrower focus so we can serve families well, which means that we will not be enrolling high school seniors for the 2026–2027 school year.  Because of the unique responsibilities involved in senior year—including graduation and post-secondary documentation—we feel it is wise to wait for a year to serve students at that stage with the quality and care that we want as our reputation at Open Spaces. We are grateful for your understanding and look forward to supporting families with students in kindergarten through 11th grade this year as we build this community with care and excellence!

We do not offer curricula because that is a very personal choice from family to family, but we love to offer recommendations and to support you as you choose what is best for your children! If you feel that you need curriculum guidance, please consider scheduling a consultation with us here (insert link)

-Once you become a member, you will receive an official letter of acceptance and that can be taken to your school district to show you are legally compliant. If your child has not been enrolled in a SC school district, you do not need to take the letter to them.

-In South Carolina, compulsory school attendance begins at age 5. However, parents may sign a kindergarten waiver through their local school district if they feel their child is not ready. Open Spaces can guide you to the correct form, but it must be filed with your district. The compulsory attendance law for SC is here: Link(https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t59c063.php)

-You will first withdraw your child from their current school, then enroll with Open Spaces. Once enrollment is complete, we will provide documentation if needed to confirm your homeschool status. It’s best to coordinate timing so there’s no gap in enrollment.

Because we are an option 3 accountability association for homeschool families, only those who are homeschooling are eligible to join. This does not include enrollment in any public or private school, whether in person or online.

-You are free to choose the curriculum and materials that best fit your family. Open Spaces does not require or assign curriculum—we support your role as the primary educator and encourage you to choose what aligns with your goals and values! If you would like curriculum support and suggestions, please consider scheduling a consultation with us here (provide link) - we LOVE to help families enjoy their homeschooling journey!

-South Carolina law does not require a specific number of hours per day. Instead, you are responsible for completing 180 instructional days over the course of the school year. Many families find that homeschooling takes less time than a traditional school day. If you are a Tier 2 member, you have access to printable record keeping forms.

Yes. While it is rare, accountability groups can legally do a random check of your records to make sure you are compliant with the law. This means keeping records up to date makes things easier for you and your association. If you are a Tier 2 member, you have access to multiple record keeping printable documents!

-South Carolina requires 180 instructional days per school year. You have the flexibility to create a schedule that works best for your family! If you would like help in planning a rhythm or routine for your homeschool, please consider scheduling a consultation with us here: Consulting(https://www.passersbywelcome.com/coaching)

-While parents remain responsible for their child’s education and record keeping for all subjects, you may involve tutors, co-ops, online classes, or other resources to support your homeschool. The proof of these supportive activities and any grades or work samples from them is the responsibility of the parent.

-Our business hours are Mon, Wed, Friday 11am-2pm , Tuesday and Thursday 3-5pm  We attempt to answer all emails and texts during that time, but we do our best to answer all questions within 24 hours.

-Summer pricing is from May 1 to August 31. After that prices do increase during the academic year.  -mid year check in should be turned in by January 31st of each academic year. This is a simple form that we offer on the website. -end of year grades for K5-8th grade as well as high school grades 9-11 are due no later than June 15.  -grades for seniors must be submitted by May 30th.  -Failure to submit grades by these dates will prevent us from including your child in the class ranking process and delay transcript preparations for college applications.

-Yes, with certain requirements. You must have homeschooled for the academic year prior to playing the sport, and you must live in the district in which your student would like to play. You can find the actual text of the bill here: Equal-Access-Interscholastic-Activities-Bill(https://ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/state-accountability/home-schooling/equal-access-interscholastic-activities-bill/)

-Option 3 does not require testing for homeschooled students. However, if you choose to use Options 1 or 2, testing is required.

Open Spaces does not assign grades or issue report cards. Parents are responsible for evaluating their child’s progress and keeping any grading records they choose to maintain. If you are a Tier 2 member, you have access to printable Report Cards that you can use for your own students.

Yes. You may structure your school year in whatever way works best for your family, as long as you complete 180 instructional days within your chosen school year.

If you move within South Carolina, you may remain enrolled with Open Spaces. If you move out of state, you will need to follow the homeschool laws of your new state and may need to withdraw from Open Spaces.

After enrollment, you’ll receive a welcome email with next steps, important dates, and instructions for submitting attendance and end-of-year records. From there, you’ll simply stay on track and reach out if questions come up! High School FAQs • See examples here: High School FAQs(https://www.hopehomeschoolgroup.org/high-school-faqs)

Great article here: honors-framework-guideline(https://www.homeschoolingsc.org/honors-framework-guideline/) • The proof for an honors class rests on the parent, not on Open Spaces. Please be aware that there are some higher institutions that may not accept honors credit • Honors classes should have a greater expectation on the student and to have a class listed as honors for Open Spaces here are the guidelines that we expect you to adhere to when listing a class as honors: - Compare to State Standards: The course must go beyond the South Carolina Department of Education's standards for a College Prep class. - Honors courses are not just "more work" (e.g., more math problems), but rather more complex and analytical work (e.g., student-initiated research, advanced projects). - South-Carolina-Honors-Level-Course-Checklist.pdf(https://www.homeschoolingsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/South-Carolina-Honors-Level-Course-Checklist.pdf)

-As a homeschool parent, you determine what counts for high school credit based on the work your student completes for each high school course. A typical full-year course earns one credit. Open Spaces does not assign credits but can offer general guidance if needed. The SC Graduation credit requirements can be found here high-school-courses-and-requirements(https://ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/state-accountability/high-school-courses-and-requirements/) If you would like help in creating high school credits for your student, please consider scheduling a consultation with us here: Consulting(https://www.passersbywelcome.com/coaching)

• Contact us using the Request a Transcript button on the website and fill out the information there. We will have that to you within 3 days. • Each high school student will get one free transcript, and after that the cost is:  -$10 each after one free  - $20 for expedited transcripts that are needed within 24 hours

Yes, you can with limitations. Coursework needs to be on high school level, and students are not allowed to earn high school credits for PE, Personal Finance or Health in 7th or 8th grades. You can read more information here: Link(https://ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/state-accountability/uniform-grading-policy/ugp-may-2019-final-pdf/?fbclid=IwAR3bQWGCiXoP80u4HSbDXJvo8Fby1WBde8_HATVMKs5IyptSnHqbX3u1-iI)

Yes, we will offer a graduation next year (2026-2027) but it will most likely be a small ceremony since we are a new association! We will put out more information and details in January 2027. There will be a graduation fee but we will keep it as minimal as possible!